Sabon Gari Blast Caused By IED— New Police Investigation

The Kano State Police Command says the  May 17 explosion that killed nine persons in Aba road, Sabongari of Fagge local government of the state was caused by substances used in making Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

The police earlier concluded that the explosion was caused by gas cylinder but later said the explosion occurred at a shop that illegally sold substances used in manufacturing bombs.

A statement issued Saturday by the command spokesman, Abdullahi Kiyawa, said the seller of the illicit chemicals, Michael Adejo, died in the blast.

“In continuation of an investigation of suspected Gas/Chemical Explosion that occurred on the 17/05/2022 at No. 01 Aba/Court Road Sabon Gari Quarters Kano that led to a building collapse which housed four shops and residential apartment the upstairs, nine people were certified dead by a medical doctor and eight victims, including students of Winners Kids Academy opposite the collapsed building that sustained minor injuries as a result of shock waves were treated and discharged.

“Those who lost their lives as a result of the explosion are Ejike Vincent (Welder), Michael Adejo (Chemical Seller), Musa Kalla (Tea Seller), Christiana Abosade, Mary Austine Dada, Madam Owoleke, Omo Ben, and Bose Oladapo.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that among the nine victims of the explosion, one of them dealt in illicit storage of toxic chemicals and other hazardous materials.

"He was later identified as Michael Adejo (now late).

“Items recovered at the scene include Five (5) Bottles of different brands of Acidic Liquid; Three (3) Bags of Potassium substance; One (1) Jerry can of mixed chemicals; Six and a half (6.5) Cartons of Snuff (Tobacco) and; Five (5) Drums of Polymer (Chemical).

“Technical Investigation conducted by the command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal – Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defence (EOD-CBRN) revealed that the explosion is suspected to be occurred as a result of mixed Chemical/Gas reactions exposed to a source of heat, such as fire, spark or increase in pressure resulting in combustion/shock waves, creating an explosion which can have shattering effects.

“Meanwhile, arrests have been made linking one of the collapsed shop with dealings in sales of illicit, toxic chemical substances and combustible materials suspected to be used for making Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

"Evidence of purchase was also recovered. An investigation is in progress,” the police said.

In case of emergencies, the command can be contacted via 08032419754, 08123821575, 08076091271, or log into the “NPF Rescue Me” Application available on the play store.